Saudi Arabia Expresses Disappointment Over UAE Pressure On Southern Yemen Border Operations

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is dissatisfied with recent actions by the United Arab Emirates in Yemen. The Ministry links these developments to growing tension involving the Southern Transitional Council in Hadramout and Al-Mahara, and warns that the Kingdom’s national security and regional stability are now at risk.

According to the statement, the Kingdom believes the United Arab Emirates has pressured Southern Transitional Council forces to carry out military movements near Saudi Arabia’s southern frontier in the governorates of Hadramout and Al-Mahara. These moves are viewed as a direct danger to the Kingdom’s security, and a threat to the security and stability of the Republic of Yemen and neighbouring states.

The Ministry recalls that this position follows an earlier statement issued on 25/12/2025, corresponding to 5/7/1447, which outlined joint Saudi-Emirati efforts to calm the situation. That earlier communication focused on attempts to halt escalation by the Southern Transitional Council in eastern Yemeni governorates, in coordination with the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council and other coalition partners.

The latest statement also refers to information released by the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council and by the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen. These statements highlighted ship movements carrying weapons and armoured vehicles from the port of Al-Fujairah to the port of Al-Mukalla, reportedly undertaken without official approval from the Coalition Joint Forces Command, which supervises such transfers.

The Kingdom states that these developments conflict with the principles that originally guided the formation of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen. Saudi Arabia argues that such steps contradict the coalition’s declared goal of achieving security and stability for Yemen, instead adding tension and undermining agreed frameworks between participating states and Yemeni institutions.

Within this context, the Ministry emphasises the seriousness of the current situation and underlines the Kingdom’s position on external risks. The statement notes that "any threat to its national security is a red line, and the Kingdom will not hesitate to take all necessary steps and measures to confront and neutralize any such threat," signalling readiness for further responses if required.

Saudi Arabia also reiterates continued backing for Yemen’s recognised authorities. The Ministry stresses that the Kingdom supports the security, stability and sovereignty of Yemen, and confirms full support for the president of the Presidential Leadership Council and the Yemeni government, viewing cooperation with these official bodies as central to any long-term settlement in the country.

The statement further addresses the long-running Southern issue inside Yemen. Saudi Arabia affirms that the Southern cause is considered a just cause with deep historical and social roots. However, the Ministry states that the issue should be addressed only through inclusive political dialogue within a comprehensive Yemeni settlement, involving all parties, including the Southern Transitional Council.

Specific demands are also directed to the United Arab Emirates. The Kingdom calls on the Emirates to respond positively to a request from the Republic of Yemen that all Emirati forces leave Yemeni territory within twenty four hours, and that Abu Dhabi halt any military or financial assistance to any internal Yemeni actor. These points are presented as essential for reducing tensions.

Key elements of the Kingdom’s request are outlined as follows:

The Ministry expresses hope that wisdom and a sense of brotherhood will influence decisions in Abu Dhabi. It highlights principles of good neighbourliness, strong bonds among Gulf Cooperation Council states and concern for the interests of Yemen, urging that these factors guide responses to the current request and shape future engagement in the Yemeni file.

Saudi Arabia finally notes its wish to preserve and strengthen bilateral relations with the United Arab Emirates. The Kingdom hopes the Emirates will take steps that protect ties between the two countries and allow continued joint work for the wellbeing, prosperity and stability of states in the region. The statement was released by SPA at 10:26 local time, 07:26 GMT.

With inputs from SPA